“‘Could you introduce me to some of the company?’ asked Crosby.

“’That I can.  You’d better join them.  I’ll tell you what—­you’ll have good pay and short work.’

“The following morning, after breakfast, the host took Crosby abroad, and introduced him to the captain of the tory company, as one who, perhaps, might be persuaded to enlist.

“‘Would you like to enlist?’ asked the captain—­at the same time running his eye over the stout frame of Crosby.

“‘I would like to see your muster-roll, first,’ replied Crosby.”

Henry.  “Pray, father, what is a muster-roll?”

Gen. P.  “A paper, my son, on which the names of the soldiers are registered.”

Henry.  “Why did Crosby wish to see that?”

Gen. P.  “I was going to tell you.  He wished to ascertain who had joined the company.”

William.  “Did the captain show him the roll?”

Gen. P.  “Yes; and carefully did Crosby run over the names.

“‘Will you join us?’ asked the captain, when Crosby had finished looking at the roll.

“‘They are all strangers to me,’ said Crosby, ’and besides, I fear that the roll may fall into the hands of the Americans—­then, what will become of us?’

“‘No fear of that,’ said the captain.  ’Come with me, and see how we manage.’

“Crosby was now led into a large meadow, at no great distance, in which stood a large stack of hay.

“‘Look at this stack, sir—­what do you think of this?’

“‘It is monstrous,’ said Crosby.  ‘Why so much hay in one stack?’

“’Not so much neither, replied the captain, ’it isn’t every one that knows how to manage—­here, take a look inside,’ at the same time drawing aside some long hay, which concealed an apartment within.

“Crosby started.  The stack was hollow—­capable of holding at least fifty men.”

[Illustration]

“‘Ha! ha! ha!’ roared out the captain, ’you are afraid the muster roll will fall into bad hands—­are you?  Well, what think you now?  Is that likely, when we know how to manage?  Many a rebel has passed by this stack, but he hadn’t brains enough to think what was inside.  Come, my good fellow, shall I enter your name?’

“‘I’ll think of it,’ said Crosby, ‘and let you know soon.’

“While Crosby was apparently making up his mind, the day passed by.  He was still at the captain’s, who invited him to spend the night.  This invitation was accepted, and at an early hour, he retired to rest.

“But he could not sleep.  What should he do?  He thought—­pondered—­ hesitated—­but at length, resolved.  Midnight came.  He rose, and having put on his clothes, softly passed from his chamber down stairs.  At every step he listened—­all was still—­without disturbing even the wary captain, he left the premises, and was soon on his way towards White Plains.

“An hour or two brought him to the residence of Mr. Jay, whom he called from his bed, and to whom he related what he knew.  A plan was soon concerted, by which to take the whole company.  This being settled, Crosby hastened back; and, before any one was up at the captain’s, was safely, and without having excited suspicion, in his bed.